MPs raise fears of massive traffic jams with BTO construction

With five new Build-To-Order projects across Yishun due to be completed by 2014 and supporting road networks that will follow only a year later, MPs raised fears of massive traffic jams. -- ST PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN

By Daryl Chin

With five new Build-To-Order projects across Yishun due to be completed by 2014 and supporting road networks that will follow only a year later, MPs raised fears of massive traffic jams resulting along Lentor Avenue.

Dr Lee Bee Wah (Nee Soon GRC) was one of several MPs who asked about the Housing Board's role in dealing with various issues arising from the ramp-up of BTO flats, including traffic congestion. Others also questioned the wisdom of building as many as eight new housing projects in a mature town like Bukit Panjang.

Replying, Senior Minister of State (Ministry of National Development) Lee Yi Shyan explained that HDB, as the coordinating agency, works with other ministries to plan for infrastructure to support the new residents. A coordination meeting between ministries was taking place now, he said.

"In the recent ramp up of BTO flats construction, I think we've learnt a lesson internally, that we also need to plan in a longer time horizon. In other words, some of the major infrastructure such as vehicular network and rail access will take much longer time than the construction of HDB flat precincts," he said.